Amplifier

Starting on Wednesday 9 November, Matterhorn is excited to introduce Wellington's new weekly jam night, The Session, which will be hosted by Electric Wire Hustle drummer and NZ School of Music graduate Myele Manzanza.

Myele graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Jazz Performance in 2008. Despite rhythmically representing more urban persuasions of music as drummer of Electric Wire Hustle and ex-drummer of Olmecha Supreme and Recloose Live, among many others, as anyone that knows him or has studied his playing will testify, his first love is jazz.

After spending time living in New York and participating in the infamous late night jams which that great city offers at notorious haunts such as Smalls, The Village Vanguard and Fat Cat, playing alongside jazz legends such as Roy Hargrove (RH Factor, Herbie Hancock, D'angelo, Erykah Badu) and studying with Ravi Coltrane's drummer EJ Strickland, Myele and partner Hayley returned to Wellington to identify an obvious gap.

"Myele has been obsessed with New York since I met him, mostly because of its jazz scene and in particular the jam sessions that are responsible for cultivating the jazz culture and high level of skill New York players tend to have. Myele is a huge advocate for developing his craft and creativity through improvisation which is why I think he loves jazz so much", says Hayley.

"After returning from our recent tour with Electric Wire Hustle in Europe it occurred to me that this is something that Myele and Wellington is missing so we approached Matterhorn to set up a weekly session and they were really enthusiastic", adds Hayley.

The Session will follow the traditional jazz jam session format. Kicking off around 10pm every Wednesday night, the jam will be hosted by a house band led by Manzanza. After the house band introduces the session with the first set, the 'floor' will open up for musicians in attendance to 'sit in' and play.

"The jam session is a really important element to learning how to play and maintaining your musicianship", says Manzanza. "Creating on the spot and in the moment and performing with different musicians sharpens your skills. It really is invaluable to anyone learning and performing music - not just jazz. I would like to encourage both students and musicians of all levels to participate in The Session. It will be an open environment for anyone who is keen to get up and play, to get involved, and of course anyone who just wants to check it out."

Matterhorn has a lengthy and strong relationship with the Wellington live scene and was a natural choice. "Most musicians and Wellingtonians are familiar with Matterhorn and it is well established as a quality music venue. It will be the perfect place to host The Session and select will be be available during The Session every Wednesday", adds Manzanza.

The first Session starts tomorrow, Wednesday 9 November, from 10pm at Matterhorn, Wellington. Free entry. All welcome. Bring your instruments!